When considering continuing your studies abroad or seeking a scholarship at a foreign university, you must, above all, prove your proficiency in the English language.
Most universities, international universities, depend on determining your ability in the English language using the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), a common test used by universities in Britain, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Ireland.
Within this article we will give you everything you need to know about the IELTS test including costs and some advice to get a good result.
What is the IELTS test?
It is a test to measure English language proficiency for non-native speakers for immigration, education and work purposes. This test is approved by about 9000 organizations worldwide, and you can take this test in more than 900 accredited centers distributed in 130 countries around the world. Organized by the University of Cambridge and the IDP Foundation.
In the IELTS test, your English level is measured in 4 language skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
How to pass the IELTS test
How can I register for the IELTS test?
First you must search for a test date that suits you in the closest test center to your city, knowing that the deadline is not adjustable, then you will need to specify the type of test you want to take (is it academic or general?).
After that, you must fill in the IELTS application form and send it with test fees to the nearest center, knowing that some centers receive the form and financial fees via e-mail.
What kind of IELTS test is required?
There are two types of IELTS test: Academic and General, and your performance for one of them depends on the country you intend to travel to or the organization to which you will be given the result of this test.
Academic Examination: Most international students need to take the IELTS Academic Exam, as applicants are required to obtain university admission or a scholarship at English-speaking universities or institutes.
• General Test: Required in cases where applicants are seeking employment or applying to a training program, and students intending to study at universities in Australia, Canada and New Zealand must obtain this type of test.
The day of the exam
On the day of the test, you must verify your national identity and passport, which you have entered in the test form that you submitted to the center.
The duration of the exam is two hours and 40 minutes without any break, so you must eat and drink well before the exam, and you are only allowed to enter a transparent water bottle into the exam room.
As I mentioned earlier: the test will consist of 4 tracks: listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
How to pass the IELTS test
Themes of Test
1- Listening:
It is 30-minute audio recordings consisting of 4 English-language conversations using several dialects, including British, Australian and Canadian. After listening to these dialogues, you have to answer some questions that test your understanding of the main ideas discussed during previous records.
2- Reading:
The reading test consists of 60 minutes and consists of 40 questions that test your ability to understand and address ideas. These questions are usually from original texts from books, magazines, newspapers, bulletins and advertisements.
3- Writing:
The writing test takes place within 60 minutes, during which you are asked to interpret information contained in a chart or graph. You may also be asked to write a short article explaining your response to one of the points of view.
4- Conversation:
This test may be taken separately from the previous elements, depending on the schedule of the examination center.
This test is conducted in three sections that range between 11 and 14 minutes in total, and you have to answer a few general questions in addition to participating in a conversation that may relate to work, studies, family and other similar topics, you will also be asked to speak and answer about a topic A certain, as the examiner will focus on opening a specific discussion with you and asks you to contribute your thoughts during this short conversation, which will not exceed 5 minutes.
The cost of taking an IELTS test
The cost and financial fees for the exam vary by country, and you can view the fees in your country or city via this link.
How do I get the test result?
The full score for the IELTS test is 9 and your final score will be your average score in the four themes we have talked about.
Required results may vary across institutions and universities, but overall, a score of 6 will be sufficient to obtain admission or a partial scholarship.
Your result will be sent to your e-mail after the end of 13 days after taking the test. You can also ask the examination center to send your result to 5 institutions that you choose yourself. Do not forget that your results are only valid for two years.
Tips
The IELTS system is designed to test your English language proficiency, so the best way to study and then pass this exam is to expose yourself to the most possible English-speaking resources such as watching English movies, reading newspapers and magazines, and following up on English-based sites.
Author: Kea Heng